Wesley College plans to close

FLORENCE — Wesley College leaders say they plan to close at the end of the month because the school has about $2.7 million in debt.

The cozy college, owned by the Congregational Methodist Church, has operated at its Mississippi 469 site, off U.S. 49, since 1972. Debt accrued from building a new dorm and a drop in contributions are the reasons the college is closing.

Registrar Charity Nelson said the college’s leaders learned of the closure Wednesday and have since notified students enrolled for fall classes. Nelson said the college plans to notify other students and alumni shortly.

The college has about 140 students per semester with 40 percent living on campus.

“We want to make sure our students are taken care of,” Nelson said. “We’re looking to make sure our students are placed.”

Nelson said the college has been in communication with other institutions. The college is known for its pastoral ministry program.

Clarion Ledger